Monday, March 30, 2015

I'm not sure if I would say that the overall theme of this look is a midi skirt made a little sexier or a mini skirt made more modest. Either way, I was absolutely obsessed with this skirt's midi-length sheer overlay as soon as I saw it, but as I mentioned on Instagram a while back, I just wasn't in the position to spring for the $90 price tag. Once Piperlime had a big sale and then an additional 50% off promo code, there was no way I could say no to it at $20. I'm sorry to say that the cobalt color is sold out, but it's still in stock in the mint green, which I honestly may like better than the blue. I also love the white, sportier version for spring. It's little secret that Gap will be closing down Piperlime soon, but for now they continue to have a fantastic selection of well-made clothing that often goes on sale, especially the Piperlime Collection line.

I would still pair either remaining color with these white pumps by Steve Madden that I bought recently to go with pretty much my entire spring and summer wardrobe. I'm wearing them before Easter because I hate that old rule, but they would be gorgeous with your sundress for Easter Sunday. Monochromatic white is a major trend this season, especially when done in a modern, sporty way, so don't be afraid to pair your white pumps with an all white ensemble. I think it's a really cool way to update from wearing nude heels with everything.

Friday, March 27, 2015

As you can see in the photos, my neck of the woods is in full bloom. There's a good reason everyone buys cut flowers for their tables all winter. Having flowers around is the most effective mood booster. I think my outfit sort of blends with all the greenery and pink blossoms around.

This dress has been one of my favorite transition pieces of all time. I think I've worn it at least three times even though I've only had it for a couple of weeks. At $28 and free shipping from Nordstrom you can't beat it. I also love that it's machine washable because I absolutely despise taking clothes to the dry cleaner, although now I do it diligently when a tag says dry clean only. I've ruined clothes in the past by being stubborn and trying to wash things with dry clean only instructions. It makes me avoid wearing my dry clean only clothes because I feel like I'm adding to the price of the garment every time I wear it! Anyone have any dry clean alternatives that have worked for you? Share in the comments.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

I love a good black and white combo. It's classic, clean, and always appropriate. Work a pop of color or leave as is for a minimalist vibe. Descriptions below are hyperlinked, and everything I've listed is super inexpensive. Don't forget that you may want to size up. Have a happy hump day!

Today's post is all about my favorite midi skirt inspired by spring blossoms. Midi skirts are huge right now, and a UK brand called Chicwish has a great selection of them for incredibly reasonable prices. I love their clothes because they have some really unique items in different prints that you might not be able to find in the US. The only caveat is that as with most European brands, their clothes run extremely small. I made the mistake of ordering a medium and had to take it to a tailor to put in an extra panel of fabric for me. I'm normally about a size 6, and will definitely order a large skirt next time. Where our clothes are vanity sized to account for larger people, European brands tend to use traditional sizing. The quality of the fabric is great for the price, just make sure you size up from the size that you actually are.

Speaking of having items tailored, I've only ever had a few things sized to fit me exactly before, but man is it worth the money. After completely busting the zipper trying to make it work, I took my skirt to Gizzelle James in Midtown Atlanta. Gizzelle is really more than just a seamstress. She designs custom wedding gowns and bespoke pieces as well, but can she tailor a skirt. She did such a beautiful job that I'm sure I'll never take anything I care about to anyone but her. I also completely fell in love with her shop and would live on the antique sofa in her fitting room if she'd let me.

Friday, March 20, 2015

If you've been following my blog for any time at all, you've probably seen how much I love prints, stripes included. I'm sure many of you were told never to wear horizontal stripes because they will make you look heavier than you are, but that's simply not true. Admittedly, thicker horizontal stripes do tend to shorten your body, so they're not a great pick for most. Choose thin, latitudinal stripes to accentuate parts of your body that you want to show off. You can create a larger bust, broader shoulders, or even highlight an otherwise nonexistent waist (like mine) with stripes going across those areas. When the stripes on the top half of this dress meet the ones going lengthwise at my middle, it gives off the illusion of a smaller waist. Add a belt to cinch it in even more, and you've got your most flattering outfit ever. And of course, always throw on some heels!

Monday, March 16, 2015

I've been on a such a color binge lately. Something about the weather has made me want to ditch my standard black and white ensembles for brighter, happier pieces. Speaking of color, if you noticed that I'm not glowing an eerie radioactive green in these photos, it's all thanks to Cat of Advanta Total Health Medical Spa in Marietta. If you've ever had a bad experience with the automated spray tan booths (let's be real, who hasn't), you should know that this is the farthest thing from that you could imagine. Cat mixed up an organic tanning formula in a color tailored to my skin tone and airbrushed me by hand in her relaxing studio spa. Everything she uses smells amazing and will never turn you orange. It's one of those things I didn't realize was missing from my routine until I tried it. I'm hooked for life.

We had the most beautiful weekend here in Atlanta. I got to wear this adorable romper from Dakota J's out and about on Sunday. When I first graduated from college and moved to Atlanta a few years ago, I fell in love with the neighborhood you see in the pictures and the little boutique you might never know about unless you walked by it. When I saw Dakota J's boho dresses and jewelry made by local artisans, all immaculately curated into well-thought outfits, I knew I had found my new favorite store. It's where I still visit when I'm just strolling by after brunch or when I'm in a panic because I have an event the same day and need something to wear without having to sort through a department store. The ladies who work there have on multiple occasions brought basically every item in the store to me in a dressing room until I found the perfect thing. I've never come across another boutique so adept at finding trendy but unique clothes that you won't see anywhere else.

I'm taking a trip to the Dominican Republic with Matt's family in a few months, and this romper will be the first thing I pack in my suitcase. It's crazy comfortable, which is kind of a make or break for me, and comes in a faux-wrap style with a waist-defining tie belt. Stop by and let them help you pick something cute for spring break if you're in the Atlanta area. Dakota J's also ships orders over the phone.

Monday, March 9, 2015

Sorry for such a long hiatus from posting. Sometimes life gets in the way of my favorite thing, but I'm back with a week full of new outfit posts to share. This flared skirt from Factory in 'pale citrus' practically screams that warm weather is on its way. It comes in several colors, including black and navy, which could make it office appropriate with opaque tights and flats.

I'd like to take a second to thank everyone who encouraged me to start and keep going with my blog. I really do appreciate your support and all of you not thinking I had completely lost it when I said I wanted to start a fashion blog. Last week I was actually featured on Lauren Conrad's blog as her "chic of the week," and have gotten some amazing exposure and feedback since that opportunity. It's really cool when your creative outlet/hobby kind of takes off and becomes something more. You can check out my feature on laurenconrad.com here.

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About me

I'm Alden, a recent law school grad living in Atlanta, GA. I've been in a serious relationship with clothes for as long as I can remember, so I created this site to share my love of getting dressed, style tips, and the occasional recipe or lifestyle post.